Telford police increase patrols following fires in Sutton Hill
Police in Telford have increased patrols in the Sutton Hill area following a series of deliberately started fires in wheelie bins over the past couple of weeks.
Acting Detective Inspector Paul Mathison, from CID at Malinsgate Police Station, has confirmed that additional policing resources are being used to tackle the issue.
There have been several fires during the past couple of weeks and the three most recent occurred on Sandcroft in the early hours of Saturday morning. These incidents saw wheelie bins deliberately set alight and because both bins were located close to properties on the street, damage was caused to the specific properties in question.
To address the ongoing problems police will now be increasing patrols in the area and will also be undertaking covert work in an attempt to identify the individual or individuals responsible for starting the fires.
Speaking about the current issues in Sutton Hill, A/DI Mathison said: “Thankfully so far no-one has been harmed as a result of these fires but we have real concerns that if they continue to occur eventually someone is going to be hurt. The possible consequences of setting these fires are obvious to any right minded person and therefore I’d ask anyone who knows who’s responsible for starting them to come forward and speak to the police.
“I’d also warn the individual or individuals responsible for starting these fires that when they are identified they will be dealt with very robustly because the potential consequences of the offences they are committing are so serious.
“We are increasing our patrols in the area for the foreseeable future - to offer reassurance to local residents as well as for investigative purposes – and we are also planning to utilise covert tactics in Sutton Hill in an attempt to identify who is starting these fires. These covert tactics are likely to see several different investigative options being used.
“We are working closely with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and Telford & Wrekin Council as we tackle this problem and both agencies are helping us offer advice to local people about how they can assist our investigation. In addition, leaflets offering bin security advice are being delivered to all the properties in Sutton Hill during the course of next week.
“I would ask anyone who has information about who is starting these fires to come forward so that we can follow up on any possible leads that come our way. We will follow up every piece of information that we receive and it is vital that anyone who has suspicions relating to these incidents comes forward as soon as possible.
“Anyone with information about any of the incidents in Sutton Hill, or any incidents of this type anywhere in Telford, is asked to call 0300 333 3000. I’d also like to remind people that they can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“We understand that some people do not want to get directly involved in helping the police because they fear reprisals if they were discovered passing on information. Therefore, anyone with these concerns is encouraged to call Crimestoppers because that way you can leave information with the guarantee of not identifying yourself.”
